The third year Industrial Design students recently worked on a project in collaboration with Avient Design. The objective was to utilize Avient’s long fiber thermoplastics (LFT) to create an aftermarket automobile product to fit a standard 2-inch square hitch. LFT composites consist of standard plastics that are reinforced with carbon, glass, or other specialty fibers which tangle together during the molding process to create items that are tough and lightweight.

Reena Mace presents Strollmate, a stroller storage solution.
Reena Mace presents Strollmate, a stroller storage solution.

The project kicked off with the team from Avient visiting Blacksburg to give a presentation about the capabilities of LFT and designing for injection molding. Students met with Avient mentors regularly throughout the process, presenting their ideas at various stages. Avient returned to Blacksburg at the conclusion of the project to see each student’s product pitch and give feedback.

Chase Stabolepszy sketching ideas for his bike rack, Cyclemate.
Chase Stabolepszy sketching ideas for his bike rack, Cyclemate.

With the guidance of the Avient Design team, students developed a wide variety of products, from mobility aids and ski racks to camping showers and storage boxes. We are incredibly proud of the hard work of our students and are extraordinarily grateful for the guidance and mentorship of Avient Design.

While in Blacksburg, the Avient Design team also gave a talk on “Designing Your Career” for Industrial Design students, hosted a portfolio review in collaboration with IDSA, and gave a guest lecture on injection molded plastics to Jonas Hauptman’s Materials and Processes class.

Kathleen Senus’s Takeoff, a portable ski rack attachment that aids in making the process of carrying skis simple and sleek.
Kathleen Senus’s Takeoff, a portable ski rack attachment that aids in making the process of carrying skis simple and sleek.
Josh Taibbi’s Hitch Mounted Handhold, a railing for disabled adults stowing their mobility aids.
Josh Taibbi’s Hitch Mounted Handhold, a railing for disabled adults stowing their mobility aids.
Ella Hiley’s Horse Tack Storage Solution, a two part system that allows a rider to travel with everything they need.
Ella Hiley’s Horse Tack Storage Solution, a two part system that allows a rider to travel with everything they need.
Juliana Iacono’s Cargo Assist - the simple, reliable way to transport your goods.
Juliana Iacono’s Cargo Assist - the simple, reliable way to transport your goods.